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Most people with cognitive impairment and other progressive dementias are cared for by members of their family. Many of these caregivers are not prepared to take on the burden of providing around the clock care. They become frustrated, exhausted, overwhelmed and depressed as the illness gradually steals their loved one’s cognitive and functional abilities.
Often this stress on the primary caregiver causes “burn out” that results in the loved one being moved out of the home and placed in a memory care facility much sooner than may be necessary.
To respond to this caregiver crisis, Jewish Family Services is offering F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. -- the Family Access to Memory Impairment and Loss Information, Engagement and Supports program. F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. is an evidence-based support service for primary caregivers. It has two goals: first, to make it possible for you to postpone or avoid placing your loved one in a nursing home and, second, to reduce the incidences of severe depression and anxiety the burden of caregiving often causes.
The program consists of seven sessions -- Two initial individual sessions for the primary caregiver to address his or her specific needs. Since most caregivers need support from family and friends, four care team sessions are included. In addition, caregivers attend a follow-up session and have access to support by telephone on an as-needed basis. The person with dementia normally is not included in the sessions Participation by the primary caregiver in a weekly support group is also highly recommended.
The program has been researched extensively and has consistently resulted in the loved one remaining in the home up to a year longer and reducing the incidence of caregiver depression by fifty percent.*
Whether your loved one has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, or in the mid to late stages of the disease and living at home, F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. will improve your ability to cope with the symptoms of dementia and enable you to provide the loving care your spouse needs and deserves.
Contact: Chris Nufer, LPC, Clinician
Chris Nufer began his counseling career in 2015 after earning his master’s degree from Brooklyn College. He gained early experience at South Beach Psychiatric Center and Weill Cornell’s Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, where he also taught psychology courses at Brooklyn College.
While at Weill Cornell, Chris helped lead the SMART-MH program, bringing mental health support to older New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy.
He later worked with the University of Virginia on a project studying how telehealth can support family caregivers, and also offered in-person support through the Greater Richmond Alzheimer’s Association.
Chris joined JFS Counseling in 2023 and has since partnered with Becki Mann to strengthen JFS’ caregiver counseling services.
To find out more about F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S program or to schedule your initial assessment, contact Chris Nufer, MA, LPC at cnufer@jfsrichmond.org or call 804-282-5644, ext. 291.
